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On-line version ISSN 2411-9717Print version ISSN 0038-223X

J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. vol.109 n.4 Johannesburg Apr. 2009

JOURNAL PAPER

Quest for 'effective pack' support

M.A. Kujoana

Brentley, Lucas & Associates, Mining Consultants (Pty) Ltd

SYNOPSIS

Following on the design of good mining layouts and regional support systems, and the implementation of sound strata control practices, stope support is the ultimate strategy to combat the hazards of rockfalls and rockbursts. The primary function of stope support in intermediate and deep level mines is to stabilize the rock mass immediately surrounding stoping excavations, that is, the zone of fractured rock which behaves inelastically around stopes. Support design is a process resulting in a support system which is both practical and meets or exceeds by a factor of safety the requirements for a particular geotechnical environment. The aim of this project was to design a support system, which accommodates the factors of rockfalls and rockbursts. The pack support unit must be easily handled, less costly and can be used in stopes without any significant convergence. The project tested the structural stability of packs to their expected deformation, in order to design a height to width ratio for stopes where little convergence is expected.